Composition and method for maintaining wood railroad ties

ABSTRACT

A composition and method for maintenance of railroad wood ties is presented herein. The wood filler composition is applicable for filling holes or gaps in wood to stabilize wood structures. The composition comprises at least unintahite, also known as asphaltum or Gilsonite, and sand. The composition may further comprise a water repellant and a wood preservative. The composition is non-carcinogenic.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following is an application under 35 USC 111 (a). This applicationclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/888,760 filedAug. 19, 2019 and priority to U.S. Ser. No. 16/997,109 filed Aug. 19,2020. The present application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser.No. 16/997,109.

FIELD

This invention relates to a composition, mechanical device, and methodfor improving retention of anchors in wood structures, filling holesleft by anchors in wood structures to maintain structural integrity ofthe structure, and more particularly, to composition, device, andmethods for removing, driving, and replacing railroad spikes in woodcross ties.

BACKGROUND

The railroad industry has historically been plagued by the loosening andloss of rail spikes from wood cross ties, and periodically undertaken avariety of efforts to improve spike/tie interface. Spike loss is causedby the lateral and vertical movement of a rail under load that createsratcheting effect on the rail spike and the tie. This ratchetingeventually results in loosening and dislodgement and loss of the spikecausing the wood cross tied and rail plate connecting the tie to therail line to become loose and rail above it to be unstable. When thishappens, the spikes must be replaced to maintain integrity and safety ofthe rail lines.

The traditional industry standard method for replacing missing spikesinvolves driving a wooden plug into the whole left by the lost spike andinserting a new spike into the wooden plug. This means of replacementleaves the cross tie susceptible to loss of the spike via the constantratcheting effect due to movement of trains over the rails. Railroadsmust constantly survey for and replace lost spikes to keep the raillines in safe operating condition. Spikes must be replaced when rail orgauging is replaced for railroads to be in compliance with FederalRailroad Administration (FRA) rules.

Wood railroad cross ties are treated typically with creosote to preventerosion, splitting, and wood rot. A properly treated tie can last up totwenty-five years depending on weather and environmental conditions.Once a spike is driven into the tie, the area around the spike isexposed to elements and is more susceptible to wear due to ratchetingforces. This untreated exposed area around the spike captures moistureand is open to invasion by living organisms many of which may bemicroscopic. Further water freezing and thawing in the wood leads todegradation of the wood fiber and rot around the spike weakening thebond between the spike and cross tie. This degradation around the spikeshortens the useful life of the tie leading to premature replacement.Weakened cross ties are hazardous and must be constantly inspected andreplaced if weak. Spike and cross ties maintenance and replacement costmuch employee time and material expenses for the rail industry.

Various mechanical means of improving rail spike retention have beenemployed but have done little to address the issue of tie degradationaround a spike and have met with limited success. Several compoundsincluding a low viscosity resin, as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,706,806, expandable dowel compound as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,723,389, flowable hardening bonding mass as in U.S. Pat. No.4,907,917, and bonding material described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,202.These however are not readily adaptable to wood rail cross ties, involvetwo stage applications and/or require external application of heat formixing the compounds and thus special tools on site. Moreover, many ofthese compounds by nature are harmful to the environment.

More recently a composition for rail spike retention has been employed.This dry mixture described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,370 required nospecial tools for application and heat generated by the driving of thespike into the aperture effected amalgamation and dispersion in thespike aperture. The dry mixture included ground aromatic hydrocarbonmaterials being 25-45% by weight petroleum pitch, 50-70% sub-angularsilica sand having grade of between 35 and 100 mesh, and a hydrocarbonresin adhesive being coumarone-indene resin on silicon dioxide at 1-10%of the final composition.

The current method of filling holes left following extraction of metalspikes from wood cross ties is hand-held application of filler material.A hopper contains material and a person opens a valve to dispense acompound of choice into the hole one at a time. What is needed in theart is an efficient, fast, environmentally friendly, and robust devices,systems, and methods for preserving wood cross ties and holding spikessecurely in place in order to ensure safety and longevity of rail lines.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure comprises a device for filling holes in wood witha wood filler composition, the device comprising: a device for filling ahole in wood with a wood filler composition comprising a system formoving an attached product dispensing system in an x, y, and zdirection, wherein the x, y, and z directions are orthogonal withrespect to one another; the product dispensing system comprising aproduct vessel, wherein the product vessel is designed to contain thewood filler composition and at least two dispensing units, a dispensingunit comprising a rod control valve, a rod, and a product tubing,wherein the raising of the rod by the rod control valve allows the woodfiller composition contained in the vessel to flow into the producttubing, and at least two dispensing nozzles housed on the vessel andconnected to the product tubing such that the wood filler compositionmay flow from the product tubing through the dispensing nozzles to fillat least two holes at one time. The system for moving an attachedproduct dispensing system in one example may be pneumatic. In anotherexample the system for moving an attached product dispensing system maybe hydraulic. The product dispensing system may be pneumatic or inanother example the product dispensing system may be hydraulic.

The disclosed device may comprise at least three product dispensingsystems and nozzles, or at least four, or at least five, or at leastsix, or at least seven, or at least eight or more dispensing systems andnozzles to accomplish filling at least eight or more holes at one time.The dispensing nozzle(s) may swivel or rotate with respect to the bottomof the product vessel in order to allow precise delivery of the woodfiller composition. The angle or range of motion of the swivel of thenozzle may be at least 5° from a ninety-degree angle from the plane ofthe bottom of the product vessel, or at least 10°, or 20°, or 30°, or35°, or as much as 37°. Product dispensing tubes or lines may beattached to the nozzles to allow accurate filling of holes.

Amount of product delivered to holes may be adjusted with the rodcontrol valve. A guiding system may be included in the device to allowaccurate filling of the holes by moving the dispensing system in the x,y, and z directions. The device may further comprise a hydraulic systemto propel the device along the rails. The device may further comprise amotor or engine attached thereto to power the electrical, hydraulic,and/or pneumatic systems. The device may further comprise wheels. Thesewheels may be designed to roll on railroad lines. A braking system maybe included on the device. The device may further comprise a productcontainer or hopper for housing additional wood filler composition. Aproduct delivery tube or line may transfer the composition from thehopper to the product dispensing system. Product delivery may be viagravity feed or other means such as air conveyance.

The disclosure further comprises a wood filler composition, thecomposition being Gilsonite and sand. The Gilsonite may be sourced fromthe Uintah Basin and be present in the composition in at least 25%, orat least 30%, or at least 35% by weight. The sand may be angular inshape and have a Mohs' Hardness of at least 5. The sand may be presentin the composition in at least 60%, or at least 70% by weight of thecomposition. The wood filler composition may further comprise a waterrepellant. The water repellant may be zinc or a zinc compound and may bepresent in the wood filler composition comprising at least 2% by weightof the composition. The wood filler composition may further comprise awood preservative.

The disclosure further includes a method for filling rail spike holessimultaneously, the method comprising the steps of: a method of fillingrail spike holes simultaneously comprising mixing Gilsonite and sand toform a wood filler composition, applying the wood filler composition inat least two rail spike holes at a time, wherein the applying comprisesfilling at least two wood filler dispensers with the wood fillercomposition, positioning the wood filler dispensers over the at leasttwo rail spike holes, and releasing the wood filler composition into theat least two rail spike holes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a right side view of the disclosed device forfilling spike holes.

FIG. 2 shows a portion of the disclosed device for filling spike holesin use.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a front view of the disclosed device for fillingspike holes.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of a left side view of the disclosed device forfilling spike holes.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of a back view of the disclosed device for fillingspike holes.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of a portion of the filler device and system of thedisclosed device.

FIG. 7 is a drawing of a portion of the product delivery system of thedisclosed device.

FIG. 8 is a drawing of a portion of the product delivery system of thedisclosed device for filling spike holes from a right side view.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of a portion of the product delivery system of thedisclosed device for filling spike holes from a front side view.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of a top-side view of a portion of the productdelivery system of the disclosed device.

FIG. 11 is a drawing of a top-side view of a portion of the productdelivery system of the disclosed device.

FIG. 12 is a portion of the product delivery system of the discloseddevice.

FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing of parts of the nozzles.

FIG. 14 is a back side perspective view of a portion of the productdelivery system.

FIG. 15 is a close-up front side view of a portion of the discloseddevice.

FIG. 16 is a close-up back side view of a portion of the discloseddevice.

FIG. 17A is a side view of a portion of the product delivery device andsystem in use.

FIG. 17B is a close-up view of the product delivery tubes in use.

FIG. 18 is a close-up view of the product delivery nozzles.

Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of the particular arrangement shown, sincethe invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a drawing of the disclosed rail spike hole filler deliverydevice or system 1 for filling multiple rail spike holes at one timewith a wood filler composition. The disclosed delivery system comprisesa product hopper or tank 2, product line 3, product distribution box 4,delivery nozzles 5A, and delivery tubes 5. The device or system 1 andproduct tank 2, product line 3, product distribution box 4, deliverynozzles 5A, and delivery tubes 5 may be formed from a choice of severalproducts including metals, metal alloys, ceramics, and/or plastics,rubber, being natural or synthetic, or blends thereof being materialsdesigned to hold solids and liquids in a space and support weight andperform actions of various components. The system or device may furthercomprise a frame 6 and roof support arms 6A being constructed from asingle or multiple pieces of metal, metal alloys, ceramic, orappropriate plastic material designed to support weight of the system.Further, the device may comprise a mechanism or mechanisms to move thedevice of the rails and may comprise a system that includes a hydraulictank 7 for a hydraulic system. Alternate means of propelling the systemalong or over the rails may include a motor or engine. The device 1, andits hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric systems, may be powered by amotor or engine (not shown in this view), being gasoline, natural gas,electric, or diesel, or alternately be powered by battery or othermeans. The device may for instance be solar or wind-powered. Wheels 8,such as railroad wheels, designed to carry the device on rail lines (notshown) may be included in the system 1. Alternately the wheels 8 may bedesigned to straddle the rail lines, fitting outside or inside the raillines. Appropriate mechanical devices to connect the motor to the wheelsmay include a drive line or drive train 9. There may be at least twowheels on the vehicle, or at least three, or at least four. A brakingsystem 10 may also be included in the device 1. An operator chair 11 andoperator controls 12 may be included to provide control of devicealtering speed along or over the rail lines and/or control of thedelivery system. The drive train and braking system in one example arehydraulic.

FIG. 2 shows a portion of the disclosed delivery system and device forfilling spike holes. An operator 13 may guide the device over therail(s) 14 to align the delivery tubes 5 with holes 17B in a rail tieplate 15. Rail tie plates 15, being generally fashioned from metal,connect the rails 14 to wood railroad cross ties 16. Rail spikes 17A orscrews function to hold the rail tie plate 15 to the wood cross ties 16.When the wood cross ties 16 or rail spike 17A is compromised, the woodcross ties 16 becomes rotted or soft, rail spikes 17A need to bereplaced and/or reseated in the wood cross ties 16. The disclosed woodfiller composition, described further below, is housed in the producttank 2 (not shown) and fed down through the product line 3 (not shown)to the product distribution box 4, where a portion of the wood fillercomposition is dropped or fed by the delivery tubes 5 into the holes 17Bmade when the old rail spikes 17A are removed. The wood fillercomposition delivery device may be positioned, by the operator 13 orsome other method, such that the delivery tubes 5 align with the holes17B vacated by the rail spikes 17A and deliver a set amount of woodfiller composition to the hole. Following filling the holes 17B, newrail spikes are inserted 17C.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a front view of a portion of the disclosed devicefor filling spike holes. The product tank 2 sits at the right side ofthe device in this view, with product line 3 attached to the bottom suchthat product can be delivered to the product distribution box (now shownin this view) via gravity feed or other means appropriate. A frame 6supports the delivery system including the product tank 2 and otherdevices for moving the device 1 and the product distribution box (notshown) into the correct location over the rail lines. Roof support arms6A support a roof 6B. Light(s) 18 and mirror(s) 19 maintain safety forthe operator and other workers. The device may include a jack stand 20,tow point 21, chain-up point 21A, an impact bumpers 22. The hydraulicsystem further includes hydraulic filters 23. The device further maycomprise a pneumatic air storage tank 24, hydraulic shut off valve 25,hydraulic pre-filters 26, pneumatic air control valves and dryer 27, anda hydraulic air tank dryer 28. In on example the hydraulic systempropels the device either forward or backward over the rails. In anotherexample the hydraulic system may also move the product dispensing systemin the x, y, and z directions as described below and move the parts ofthe product dispensing system itself. In yet another example thepneumatic system may move the product dispensing system in the x, y, andz directions as described below and move the parts of the productdispensing system itself as well.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of a left side view of portion of the discloseddevice for filling spike holes. Roof supports 6A support a roof 6B. Theproduct tank 2 sits on the opposite or right side of the device. In thisview additional components needed for the hydraulic and pneumaticsystems are visible including the pneumatic air compressor 29, hydrauliccooler 30, and hydraulic tank 31. In one example, as will be shown inmore detail later, the pneumatic system moves the product distributionbox into position over the rail spike holes. It can be envisioned thatother means of power may be utilized for moving the box the hydraulicsystem, or by electric or other means such as a motor or engine. Adiesel engine 32 powers the hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systemsof the device. It may be envisioned that a different type of engine ormotor could be utilized to power the device moving it over the rails. Afuel tank 33 holds diesel fuel for the diesel engine 32 and an exhaustpipes runs therefrom 34.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of a back view of a portion of the disclosed devicefor filling spike holes. The roof supports 6A support the roof 6B. Afuel tank 33 holds diesel fuel for the diesel engine (not shown). Anengine sound dampening wall 35 improves working conditions for theoperator (not shown). The unit may include additional storage boxes 36and a unit counter-weight 37 to balance the device. Further a batterybox and batteries 38 may be utilized to power electric components and/orstore energy from an engine or motor. A pneumatic air system control box39 controls the pneumatic system and an xyz operator hand control arm 40allows the operator to move the product distribution box (not shown) inx, y, and z planes or directions to fill the spike holes. The operatormay sit in a chair 11 or seat to operate the device, moving it over therails, positioning the product distribution box and controlling productdelivery.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of the product delivery device and system forfilling spike holes. The product delivery system is supported by a frame6 and roof supports 6A. The product tank 2 holds the wood fillercomposition of the present disclosure. The wood filler composition fallsinto the product line 3 and fills the product distribution box 4. Aframe or head unit 41 supports the product distribution box and allowsit to move in the x, y, and z directions as controlled by the xyzoperator hand control arm 40 shown in more detail following. Productdelivery nozzles 5A connect to delivery tubes (not shown). The airsystem control box 39 controls the pneumatic system.

FIG. 7 is a drawing of the back view of a portion of the productdelivery system of the disclosed device for filling spike holes. A framesystem 6 holds the head unit 41 that attaches to the productdistribution box 4. The product line 3 delivers the composition to thedistribution box. Pneumatic control valves 42, six shown here but asmany as eight in total in this example, control rods within the box (notshown) that move up and down allowing product to fall through thenozzles below (not shown) and into the delivery tubes 5A which maynumber as many as one, two, or as many as four, or as many as six, or asmany as eight, or more as needed for rail spike configuration on a givenrail line. FIG. 8 is a side view of the delivery system on the devicewith the head unit 41, product delivery line 3, product distribution box4, pneumatic control valves 42, and delivery tubes 5A. FIG. 9 is a frontside of the delivery system on the device with the head unit 41, productdelivery line 3, product distribution box 4, pneumatic control valves42, and delivery tubes 5A.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of a top-side view of a portion of the productdelivery system of the disclosed device. A mounting plate 65 holds thepneumatic control valves 42 above the product distribution box 4. Theproduct inlet 44 allows the filler composition to flow from the productdelivery line (not shown) into the product distribution box 4. Rodswithin the box, described below, raise and lower via air or pneumaticfittings 43 to allow product to fall into the delivery tubes (not shown)and nozzles. FIG. 11 is a side view of a portion of the product deliverysystem. The product flows from the product delivery line 3 through theproduct inlet 44 into the product distribution box 4. The pneumaticcontrol valves 42 lift product shaft rods 47 that allow product withinthe distribution box 4 to drop into the delivery tubes below (notshown). Product shaft rods 47 are supported and maintained by inlets 46for greasing. The pneumatic control valves 42 which may number as few asone or as many as eight or more are supported by a spacer plate 45 andthe mounting plate 65. A side panel 48 on the distribution box 4 may behinged and opens to allow for cleaning. The front of the distributionbox 4 is covered or comprised of a wall plate 49. These panels and wallsmay be held on the box or form the box and be attached via screws orbolts 66. One may contemplate other means of attachment such as hinges,nails, clips, or the like.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the head unit 41 for the productdistribution box 4. The side panel is not included or shown to allowvisualization of the inner parts of the distribution box 4. Thepneumatic control valves 42 lift the product shafts or rods 47 to allowproduct to enter the inner product transfer tubes 56, shown cut awayhere to show the product rods 47 that move up and down therein, and intothe product dispensing nozzles 5A. Rods 47 may be lifted for varyingamounts of time to allow more or less product to enter the producttransfer tubes 56. This may be controlled by the pneumatic controlvalves 42 programmed or otherwise set by an operator. The head unit 41is built and designed to move in the x, y, and z planes or directionsallowing for control of where the distribution box is fixed over therails and rail spike holes. The x axis rails 50 move within the x axisslide bushing 51. Likewise the y axis rails 52 move through the y axisbarring rail 53. The z axis barring rails 54 move along the z axismovement rail 55. These movements are powered by the pneumatic systemand controlled by the operator via the x, y, z head unit 41 controller(not shown). FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing of the product dispensingnozzles 5A including a nut 5B, tip 5C, and base 5D of the nozzle thatfit together as indicated by the double-tipped arrows and to the bottomof the production distribution box (not shown) via one or more screws,rivets, bolts, or appropriate connector means 5E. The interior of eachpiece contains a hollow core for product to flow 5F through the nozzle5A into the delivery tubes 5 (not shown) that attach to and/or fitsnugly over the nut 5B.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the product distribution box 4. Thepneumatic control valves 42 may be controlled to move the product rods47 up or down allowing or not allowing individually or separatelyproduct delivery to inner product tubes (not shown) and subsequently tothe product delivery nozzles 5A. An operator may control the flow ofproduct into the inner product tubes 56 via individual control of eachpneumatic control valve and/or an electronic or software program may beimplemented to set control of the valves 42. Also shown is the z axismovement rail 55 pieces and linear barring rails 55A for the z axis rail(not shown). The mounting plate 65 and shaft spacer plate 45 may bedesigned in many different manners to configure the pneumatic controlvalves 42 in different location or patterns depending on need forlocation of pneumatic control valves 42. Likewise the pattern orplacement and number of the dispensing nozzles 5A may be altered toallow optimum placement of filler composition. FIG. 15 is a close-upfront side view of a portion of the device. The head unit 41 for theproduct distribution box (not shown) sits in front of the operatorchair. A forward and reverse lever 57 is included to move the vehicleforward or backward. Various hoses for air for the pneumatic andhydraulic systems are implemented to deliver pressured air or otherneeds to the appropriate parts.

FIG. 16 is a close-up back view of a portion of the disclosed deviceshowing the operator chair 12 and controls for product delivery andvehicle control. An air system control panel or box 39 contains controlsthe pneumatic system. A second control panel or box 62 contains controlsfor the pneumatic control valves 42 for product dispensing. And a thirdcontroller 40 controls position of head unit in the x, y, and zdirections or planes. The vehicle controller 57 controls forward andbackward movement of the vehicle over the rails.

FIG. 17A is a close-up view of a method for aligning product deliverytubes 5 with rail spike holes 17B. The unit is positioned over the railplate 15 and a laser or other light source mounted on the device may beused to create an x cross hair line or axis 63 and y cross hair line oraxis 64 to position the delivery tubes over the pattern of spike holes17B on the rail tie plate 15. FIG. 17B is a further close-up of thisprocess illustrating cross hairs 63, 64 created by a laser or lightdevice aligning the delivery tubes 5 with the spike holes 17B. FIG. 18is a close-up view of the dispensing nozzles 5A. These dispensingnozzles 5A are designed to swivel in their ports to better aligndelivery tubes (not shown) with spike holes. As such the dispensing ordelivery nozzle 5A may swivel or angle at least 5°, 10°, or at least15°, or at least 20°, or at least 25°, or at least 30°, or at least 35°,or at least 37° from a right angle with the bottom of the productdistribution box 4 in any direction.

Further, a composition for filling holes, spaces, or gaps in wood isdisclosed. The wood filler composition may be used in the process ofrepairing a railroad line in particular the railroad wooden cross orcross ties 16, as shown in FIG. 2, but may be applicable to other woodpieces where there is a need to stabilize and preserve the integrity ofthe wood member. Often wood cross ties 16 and rail spike holes 17Bexperience deterioration due to water, mold or other organisms,temperature, and other factors, and spikes 17A become loose. When spikes17A become loose, rail lines move causing problems for trains. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the wood filler composition provides a medium inwhich a new or replacement spike 17C may be inserted or re-spiked intothe hole 17B vacated by a rail spike 17A that mimics virgin wood ties.The wood filler composition comprises in part Gilsonite, also known asunintahite or asphaltum, and is a natural product beingbitumen-impregnated rock or asphaltite primarily found in and mined fromthe Uintah Basin of Utah and Colorado. It is a naturally occurring solidnon-aromatic hydrocarbon bitumen which is a non-carcinogeniccomposition. The wood filler composition may comprise Gilsonite atbetween about 15 to 60% by weight, or as much as 20 to 50% by weight, oras much as about 20%, or as much as 25%, or as much as about 30%, or asmuch as about 35% Gilsonite of the total composition. The wood fillercomposition may further comprise silica sand, wherein the sand particleshape may be angular in nature as opposed to a sphere-like particlestructure or shape. The sand may rate on Mohs' Hardness Scale from aboutan H=2 to an H=10, or about an H=3 to about an H=9, or about an H=5 toan H=8, or about an H=5.5 to an H=7. The sand may be present in thecomposition from about 40% to about 85%, by weight, or about at least60%, or about at least 70%. In addition, the composition may furthercomprise additives to prevent wood rot, some being water repellentcompositions chosen, but not limited to those of the group includingzinc, or a zinc compound, being in one example, zine borate, and may bepresent in the composition at 1-10%, by weight, or about 2-8%, or about2-5%. The composition may further comprise a wood preservative. It isone purpose of the present invention to provide an environmentallyfriendly solution to wood cross tie preservation. Older woodpreservatives including chromated arsenicals, creosote, andpentachlorophenol have negative environmental impact. Newerenvironmentally friendly preservatives may include propiconazole,triadimefon, acid copper chromate, alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ),borate, copper azole, copper naphthenate, copper-HDO(Bis-N-cyclohexyldiazeniumdioxy-copper), and polymeric betaine. Thepresently disclosed wood filler composition offers an improvedenvironmentally friendly composition.

A method for filling holes in wood members is disclosed. As shown inFIG. 2, the wood filler composition is inserted into a wood member, likea wood cross ties 16 in the rail spike 17B holes once the rail spikes17A are removed, to stabilize the structure of the wood. Particularly,the wood filler composition described herein may be used in a method forrailroad rail or cross tie repair. As noted before, rail spikes 17A holdthe rail tie plates 15 to the wooden cross ties 16. As these rail spikes17A become loose due to decomposition of the wood they need to bereplaced. In the method of the present invention at least two holes maybe filled with wood filler composition at one time, or three or four maybe filled at one time, or five or six, or seven or eight, or more. Inpractice, once a rail spike 17A is removed, by hand or tools, the woodfiller composition described herein is dispensed through the deliverytubes 5 simultaneously into each rail spike hole 17B by the discloseddevice 1, FIG. 1, described above. Once the wood filler composition isplaced in the holes, a new rail spike 17C may be inserted onto or in thecomposition filled hole.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to thedisclosed embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be madeand still the result will come within the scope of the invention. Nolimitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein isintended or should be inferred. Each apparatus embodiment describedherein has numerous equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wood filler composition, the compositioncomprising: a) unintahite; and b) sand.
 2. The wood filler compositionof claim 1 further comprising a water repellant.
 3. The wood fillercomposition of claim 2, wherein the water repellant is zinc.
 4. The woodfiller composition of claim 3, wherein the zinc makes up at least 2% ofthe composition.
 5. The wood filler composition of claim 2, wherein thewater repellant is a zinc compound.
 6. The wood filler composition ofclaim 5, wherein the zinc compound makes up at least 1% of thecomposition.
 7. The wood filler composition of claim 6, wherein the zinccompound is zinc borate.
 8. The wood filler composition of claim 1,wherein the unintahite is from the Uintah Basin.
 9. The wood fillercomposition of claim 1, wherein the unintahite makes up at least 15% ofthe wood filler composition.
 10. The wood filler composition of claim 1,wherein the unintahite makes up at least 20% of the wood fillercomposition.
 11. The wood filler composition of claim 1, wherein theunintahite makes up at least 25% of the wood filler composition.
 12. Thewood filler composition of claim 1, wherein the unintahite makes up atleast 30% of the wood filler composition.
 13. The wood fillercomposition of claim 1, wherein the unintahite makes up at least 35% ofthe wood filler composition.
 14. The wood filler composition of claim 1further comprising a wood preservative.
 15. The wood filler compositionof claim 1, wherein the sand makes up at least 40% of the wood fillercomposition.
 16. The wood filler composition of claim 1, wherein thesand makes up at least 60% of the wood filler composition.
 17. The woodfiller composition of claim 1, wherein the sand makes up at least 70% ofthe wood filler composition.
 18. The wood filler composition of claim 1,wherein the sand comprises sand particles and the sand particles areangular in shape.
 19. The wood filler composition of claim 1, wherein ahardness of the sand on a Mohs' Hardness scale is at least
 5. 20. A woodfiller composition, the wood filler composition comprising: a)Gilsonite; b) sand; c) a water repellant; and d) a wood preservative.